Culcheth CPS car park could be scrapped in favour of flats

Culcheth's CPS car park is often used by visitors to the adjacent shops and is one of the most-frequented car parks in the area.

It has not been without its controversies, with many residents calling the management of the car park into question when its long-standing free parking policy was altered last year.

Now, in a radical move, the owners of the site have submitted plans that would drastically change the face of the centre of Culcheth.

Included in these new plans are documents that show the car park could be scrapped in favour of building two new retail units on the site, as well as three new flats.

Drawings submitted to the council by the developers, in conjunction with Bowen Architects, highlight that the CPS car park on Common Lane, is being eyed for the redevelopment.

In the plans, the developers highlight at least eight different areas close to the centre of Culcheth that would allow shoppers to park vehicles.

These areas include the village club, the Co-Op, the Culcheth Arms, and even the medical centre.

An artist's impression of the proposed units (Image: Bowen Architects)

Part of the developers' plan says: "With the new massing on the site we would then propose new landscaping features that would connect through this new pedestrian access way.

"Developing a more user-friendly public realm and enhancing the shopping experience."

The plans continue: "We are proposing to dramatically improve the pedestrianisation of the area and the natural environment.

"We aim to create different types of hard surfacing to define different areas of the public realm.

"We’re also proposing to plant a number of new trees continuing the line of trees that are already on the site. There will be a number of green areas for foliage to grow and timber public benches."

The plans are not set to impact retail sites in the area (Image: Bowen Architects)

They conclude: "Creating an environment that will allow the shoppers to use the surrounding area as a public square and becoming a place of congregation and interaction within the town."

These radical plans are under consideration by Warrington Borough Council's planning department, and a decision is due by Friday, March 24.